The Emergence of Iraqi Governance

Progress Towards a Sovereign Iraq

Published on June 1, 2004 By Madine In Current Events

Some have criticized the Iraqi Governing Council as a puppet government of the U.S.-led coalition, but the Council has acted like anything but puppets in the selection process of Iraq's new Prime Minister and President.

The Governing Council wasn't really supposed to be involved with choosing the interim government, but they demanded a voice anyway. Perhaps this is a glimpse into Iraq's future. An Iraqi voice, a voice that cannot be silenced by the army of the U.S., the clout of the U.N., or the violence of terrorism. A voice that is not the voice of a secular dictator or a religious tyrant, but a voice of a united people from different ethnicities and backgrounds.

While it was hoped that the involvement of the U.N. would bring legitimacy to Iraq's government, these events serve as a reminder that the true test for legitimacy lies with Iraqis. There have been doubts about whether democracy will work in Iraq. A president and prime minister chosen by Iraqis in a peaceful manner is certainly a step in the right direction.

Security continues to be a serious problem in Iraq. Yet as the election draws closer, it becomes increasingly clear that insurgents are fighting against an Iraqi government, not an American occupation. The presence of U.S. troops is a necessary evil, but peace will be the necessary good that sends them away.

The actions of the Iraqi Governing Council remind us that the future of Iraq is in the hands of the Iraqi people. Yet it also reassures us that these are capable hands, and that Iraq has leaders who understand the challenge before them.

Comments

mikimouse

on Jun 01, 2004

how on earth do you come to the conclusion that the insurgents are 'clearly' working againts Iraqi self-determination and not against the US occupation? Talk about cheap political rhetoric. Did you even know the US has killed far more than 10,000 INNOCENT Iraqi civilians in the past year and months? They're fighting to rid Iraq of their occupiers. Look what they're doing to their friends, relatives, neighbours, in that torture prison. They have something to die for. The poor sap 20 year old GI shot in the chest breathing his last on foreign sand crying for his mother does NOT have something to die for. And since when does independence have anything to do with the occupiers still running the show? When the US keeps its troops there and, in fact, is planning to increase the troop level, then it's not freedom by any means. Think: you know how to tell if there is a puppet government? By taking away the main force of power, in this case, the US troops. If they left, the 'government' would have no authority whatsoever. It was the case in Vietnam (Diem puppet), Afghanistan (Taliban in power everywhere the US is not), the list goes on. When that is the case it's obvious the powers that be aren't really powers at all.

pseudosoldier

on Jun 01, 2004

Insurgents are attacking the only remotely legitimate Iraqi-based governing body existant in Iraq at this time. Granted, some of the insurgents may indeed see themselves as freedom fighters against a foreign oppresor who attempts to impose non-Islamic government on an unwilling people. I don't believe that: 1) these are the majority of the insurgents or 2) that they are entirely right in their cause.
Please give me a link to the stats that show "the US has killed far more than 10,000 INNOCENT Iraqi civilians in the past year and months. I am unsure if this is a true statistic, or *ahem* "cheap political" hyperbole.

I think the occupiers are doing their best to turn the show over to the rest of the cast. While not nearly the end all, be all of self-governance, a new interim president (and a pair of deputies) was chosen. I suppose it could still be argued that this is a puppet government... after all, take away the US troops, etc., right? Take a look at Afghanistan as you propose it, however. Take away the US troops: you have the Taliban in power. But, if you take away the Taliban fighters, you have...? Does that mean the Taliban was/is a "puppet government?" I think that "might makes right" is more of a tool of puppet governments, instead of a singly defining characteristic.
In order for the IGC to count as a puppet government, they'd have to do what we said. "Jump!" "Cham mitr?" Yes, they're complying with most of what we ask. Maybe that's because we're helping them? Maybe they're reasonable enough to see if we left, their world goes to shit? (And not just because they're "American sympathizers, although that's a factor by now, I assure you.)

Madine - I hope this doesn't hijack your article too badly. I tried to keep in the spirit of the original while still replying to Miki (in what I hope is a civil voice, not just for your benefit but for his). I am glad that you are able to remain hopeful for the future of Iraq. It was a nice, positive article.

stevendedalus

on Jun 23, 2004

I agree, a positive article, though somewhat naive, but after all, the good spirit is there.

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